Apparatus and method for detecting a media device

ABSTRACT

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a mobile device having a controller to detect a location of a user by detecting at least one of a network associated with the user and a location of the mobile device, wherein the location of the user includes a media processor, transmit a request for an audio command intended for the media processor to a server on a communications network after detecting the location of the user, wherein the audio command is transmitted by the server to the media processor, detect an audio signal emitted from the media processor, wherein the audio signal is caused by the audio command, and determine an identity of the media processor by associating the detected audio signal with the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to device detection and morespecifically to an apparatus and method for detecting a media device.

BACKGROUND

The Internet, local area networks, cable networks, and other networksprovide users with a means for experiencing media content, such as radioand television programming. The media content can often include audiocontent, video content, text content, still image content, and/orcombinations thereof. Media content providing sources can includeInternet Protocol Television (IPTV), cable TV, and satellite TV. Controlover media devices that present the media content can be implementedusing a number of different remote controllers.

However, when searching for content, users typically have to resort tochannel surfing via a typical remote control or by directly changing thechannel on the television. Such methods of searching are often timesslow and tedious. Other users are able to search for media content orinformation about the media content through on-screen channel guides.Although more efficient than channel surfing, searching through channelguides can still be slow and difficult to navigate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide media services;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal interacting withthe communication systems of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication deviceutilized in the communication systems of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system for detecting amedia device, which can operate in portions of the communicationssystems of FIGS. 1-2;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method for detecting amedia device operating in portions of the communications systems ofFIGS. 1-2 and 5;

FIG. 7 depicts a scenario featuring a user utilizing a mobile device todetect a media device according to the invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a scenario involving the detection of multiple mediadevices in a user's home;

FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram for detecting media devices by detectingaudio emitted from the media devices;

FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram for detecting media devices through audiosampling; and

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a mobile devicehaving a controller to detect a location of a user by detecting at leastone of a network associated with the user and a location of the mobiledevice, wherein the location of the user includes a media processor,transmit a request for an audio command intended for the media processorto a server on a communications network after detecting the location ofthe user, wherein the audio command is transmitted by the server to themedia processor, detect an audio signal emitted from the mediaprocessor, wherein the audio signal is caused by the audio command, anddetermine an identity of the media processor by associating the detectedaudio signal with the media processor.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail a methodincluding receiving at a media processor an audio command from a serveron a communications network, wherein the audio command is requested by amobile device communicatively linked to the server, emitting an audiosignal after receiving the audio command, wherein the audio signal isdetected by the mobile device, and wherein an identity of the mediaprocessor is determined by the mobile device based on an association ofthe audio signal with the media processor.

Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure can entail acomputer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to receivea first audio sample from a mobile device, wherein the first audiosample is recorded by the mobile device and represents a portion of amedia program playing on a media processor, determine at least onechannel that is transmitted to the media processor, determine a channelof the at least one channel which played the media program and anidentity of the media processor by analyzing the first audio sample, andtransmit the identity of the media processor to the mobile device.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communicationsystem 100 for delivering media content. The communication system 100can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) broadcast mediasystem. The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)110 with at least one super headend office server (SHS) 111 whichreceives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communicationsystems. In the present context, media content can represent audiocontent, moving image content such as videos, still image content, orcombinations thereof. The SHS server 111 can forward packets associatedwith the media content to video head-end servers (VHS) 114 via a networkof video head-end offices (VHO) 112 according to a common multicastcommunication protocol.

The VHS 114 can distribute multimedia broadcast programs via an accessnetwork 118 to commercial and/or residential buildings 102 housing agateway 104 (such as a common residential or commercial gateway). Theaccess network 118 can represent a group of digital subscriber lineaccess multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a servicearea interface that provide broadband services over optical links orcopper twisted pairs 119 to buildings 102. The gateway 104 can usecommon communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 106 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 108 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 107 (such as aninfrared or RF remote control).

The gateway 104, the media processors 106, and media devices 108 canutilize tethered interface technologies (such as coaxial or phone linewiring) or can operate over a common wireless access protocol. Withthese interfaces, unicast communications can be invoked between themedia processors 106 and subsystems of the IPTV media system forservices such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 130 a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing portal services over an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) network 132 to wireline media devices 108 or wirelesscommunication devices 116 by way of a wireless access base station 117operating according to common wireless access protocols such as WirelessFidelity (WiFi), or cellular communication technologies (such as GSM,CDMA, UMTS, WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, and so on).

The first communication system 100 can also include a mobile device 135.The mobile device 135 can be a cellular phone, personal digitalassistant, smart phone, personal computer, or other similar device. Themobile device 135 can configured to detect a network in proximity of thedevices in residential building 102 or other networks. Additionally, themobile device 135 can be operably coupled to the STBs 106 and otherdevices in the system 100. Notably, mobile device 135 can contain asoftware application, which can enable the mobile device 135 to detectwhich STB 106 is currently playing by detecting an audio sample emittedfrom the STB 106 or media device 108. The mobile device 135 can befurther configured to control or receive information from the STBs 106.For example, the mobile device 135 can change the channel that the STB106 is currently broadcasting or receive information about mediaprogramming.

Another distinct portion of the computing devices 130 can function as aserver (herein referred to as server 130). The server 130 can use commoncomputing and communication technology to perform the function ofdistributing media content and/or other types of content to variousdevices in the system 100. Notably, the server 130 can be configured tocommunicatively link to the mobile device 135, gateway 104, and the STBs106. Additionally, the server 130 can be configured to access, receiveand/or analyze content from a local area network containing the securitycamera 135 and the video conferencing equipment 137 via gateway 104.Other devices can access the content from the server 130 if they areauthorized to do so.

It will be appreciated by an artisan of ordinary skill in the art that asatellite broadcast television system can be used in place of the IPTVmedia system. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 115supplying media content can be intercepted by a common satellite dishreceiver 131 coupled to the building 102. Modulated signals interceptedby the satellite dish receiver 131 can be submitted to the mediaprocessors 106 for generating broadcast channels which can be presentedat the media devices 108. The media processors 106 can be equipped witha broadband port to the ISP network 132 to enable infrastructureservices such as VoD and EPG described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital broadcast distributionsystem such as cable TV system 133 can be used in place of the IPTVmedia system described above. In this embodiment the cable TV system 133can provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

It follows from the above illustrations that the present disclosure canapply to any present or future interactive over-the-air or landlinemedia content services.

FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 200.employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture tofacilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switchedsystems. Communication system 200 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith communication system 100 as another representative embodiment ofcommunication system 100.

Communication system 200 can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)240, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 230, and other commonnetwork elements of an IMS network 250. The IMS network 250 canestablish communications between IMS compliant communication devices(CD) 201, 202, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs 203, 205,and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function(MGCF) 220 coupled to a PSTN network 260.

IMS CDs 201, 202 can register with the IMS network 250 by contacting aProxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with acorresponding Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with at the HSS240. To initiate a communication session between CDs, an originating IMSCD 201 can submit a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message toan originating P-CSCF 204 which communicates with a correspondingoriginating S-CSCF 206. The originating S-CSCF 206 can submit queries tothe ENUM system 230 to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIPINVITE to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminatingcommunication device is IMS compliant.

The SIP URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 207 to submita query to the HSS 240 to identify a terminating S-CSCF 214 associatedwith a terminating IMS CD such as reference 202. Once identified, theI-CSCF 207 can submit the SIP INVITE to the terminating S-CSCF 214. Theterminating S-CSCF 214 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 216associated with the terminating CD 202. The P-CSCF 216 then signals theCD 202 to establish communications.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such asreferences 203 or 205, the ENUM system 230 can respond with anunsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originating S-CSCF206 to forward the call to the MGCF 220 via a Breakout Gateway ControlFunction (BGCF) 219. The MGCF 220 can then initiate the call to theterminating PSTN CD by common means over the PSTN network 260.

The aforementioned communication process is symmetrical. Accordingly,the terms “originating” and “terminating” in FIG. 2 are interchangeable.It is further noted that communication system 200 can be adapted tosupport video conferencing by way of common protocols such as H.323. Inaddition, communication system 200 can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs201, 203 the multimedia and Internet services of communication system100.

The server 130 of FIG. 1 can be operably coupled to the secondcommunication system 200 for purposes similar to those described above.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a portal 302 which canoperate from the computing devices 130 described earlier ofcommunication 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The portal 302 can be used formanaging services of communication systems 100-200. The portal 302 canbe accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with a common Internetbrowser such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer™ using an Internet-capablecommunication device such as those described for FIGS. 1-2. The portal302 can be configured, for example, to access a media processor 106 andservices managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a VoDcatalog, an EPG, a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures,audio recordings, etc.) stored in the media processor, provisioning IMSservices described earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioningcellular phone services, and so on.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a communication device 400.Communication device 400 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the communication devices of FIGS. 1-2. Thecommunication device 400 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 402 (herein transceiver 402), a user interface (UI) 404, apower supply 414, a location receiver 416, and a controller 406 formanaging operations thereof. The transceiver 402 can support short-rangeor long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi,Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), or cellularcommunication technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologiescan include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE,EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, and next generation cellular wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 402 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCPIP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 404 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 408 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, joystick, mouse, ornavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device400. The keypad 408 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 400 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth. The keypad 408 canrepresent a numeric dialing keypad commonly used by phones, and/or aQwerty keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 404 can further include adisplay 410 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technologyfor conveying images to an end user of the communication device 400. Inan embodiment where the display 410 is touch-sensitive, a portion or allof the keypad 408 can be presented by way of the display.

The UI 404 can also include an audio system 412 that utilizes commonaudio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heardonly in the proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such asspeakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system 412 can furtherinclude a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. Theaudio system 412 can also be used for voice recognition applications.The UI 404 can further include an image sensor 413 such as a chargedcoupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 414 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and charging system technologies for supplying energy tothe components of the communication device 400 to facilitate long-rangeor short-range portable applications. The location receiver 416 canutilize common location technology such as a global positioning system(GPS) receiver for identifying a location of the communication device400 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites,thereby facilitating common location services such as navigation.

The communication device 400 can use the transceiver 402 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi or Bluetooth access point bycommon power sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or a signal time of arrival (TOA) or timeof flight (TOF). The controller 406 can utilize computing technologiessuch as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and/or avideo processor with associated storage memory such a Flash, ROM, RAM,SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies.

The communication device 400 can be adapted to perform the functions ofthe media processor 106, the media devices 108, or the portablecommunication devices 116 of FIG. 1, as well as the IMS CDs 201-202 andPSTN CDs 203-205 of FIG. 2. It will be appreciated that thecommunication device 400 can also represent other common devices thatcan operate in communication systems 100-200 of FIGS. 1-2 such as agaming console and a media player.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 500 for detectinga media device, the system operable in portions of the communicationsystems of FIGS. 1-2. The system 500 can include a mobile device 502,which can be configured to detect a network, such as wireless network504. The network can be any kind of network and is not limited to beinga wireless network. The mobile device 502 can correlate to mobile device135 and can include, but is not limited to including, a cellular phone,personal digital assistant, laptop computer, personal computer, smartphone (such as an iPhone™), or other similar device. Additionally, thesystem 500 can include one or more media processors 506 a-b. The mediaprocessors 506 a-b can be STBs or other similar devices capable ofreceiving, transmitting, and/or displaying media content. The mediacontent that the media processors 506 a-b can handle include video,still image, audio, text, and data content. Notably, the mobile device502 can be operably coupled to the media processors 506 a-b.

System 500 can also include one or more display devices 508 a-b, whichcan be monitors, televisions, or other similar devices capable ofoutputting media content. The display devices 508 a-b can be operablycoupled to the media processors 506 a-b. Furthermore, the system 500 caninclude a server 510, which can be configured to operate in acommunications network 512. The server 510 can deliver media content tothe media processors 506 a-b and can performing other processingfunctions. The devices in the system 500 can also be configured tooperate in or communicatively link to an iTV network, such ascommunications network 512. The iTV network can include IPTV,interactive cable television, and interactive satellite television.

Operatively, the mobile device 502 can detect that a user is at home bydetecting the wireless network 504. Upon detecting the network 504, themobile device 502 can transmit a request for an audio command to theserver 510, which can transmit the audio command to at least one of themedia processors 506 a-b. The media processors 506 a-b can each emit aunique audio signal, such as through a speaker, upon receiving the audiocommand from the server 510. The mobile device 502 can detect each audiosignal by utilizing a built-in microphone or other audio detectiondevice. The mobile device 502 and/or the server 510 can determine theidentity of the media processors 506 a-b by associating each mediaprocessor 506 a-b with the unique audio signal it emitted. Notably, themobile device 510 can be configured to store the identity and/or theunique audio signal of each media processor 506 a-b. Once the identitieshave been determined, the mobile device 502 can issue commands to themedia processors 50 a-b.

The mobile device 502 can also be configured to detect and record anaudio sample associated with a media program outputted by the mediaprocessors 506 a-b. Once detected and recorded, the mobile device 502can transmit the audio sample to the server 510, which can be configuredto match the audio sample to a channel on one of the media processors506 a-b so as to identify which media processor 506 a-b outputted theaudio. The server 510 can transmit the identity of the media processor506 a or 506 b to the mobile device 502. The mobile device 502 can storethe identity and can issue commands to each media processor 506 a-b forwhich it has stored an identity for.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative method 600 for detecting a media devicethat operates in portions of the communication system of FIGS. 1-2 andFIG. 5. Method 600 can begin with step 602 in which a mobile device,such as mobile device 502, can detect a wireless network 504 or othernetwork associated with a user. The mobile device 502 can detect thewireless network 504 or other network based on one or more of a serviceset identifier (SSID), a media access control (MAC) address, and a basicservice set identifier (BSSID) associated with the local wirelessnetwork 504. Additionally, the mobile device 502 can detect the locationof the mobile device 502 by using location services such as GPS,cell-tower triangulation, and other location services. Notably, thedetections described above can be performed so that the mobile device502 can determine that the user is at home or at another location wherethe user can receive and experience media content. At step 604, themobile device 502 can transmit a request for an audio/beacon command tothe server 510 or other similar device. The audio/beacon command can beintended for one or more media processors, such as media processors 506a-b. Notably, the media processors can be in the vicinity of the mobiledevice 502.

Upon receiving the request, the server 510 can transmit the audio/beaconcommand to the one or more media processors at step 606. At step 608,the audio/beacon command can cause the a media processor to emit aunique audio signal/sound, which can be specific and distinguishablefrom audio signals emitted from other media processors. For example, anaudio command issued to media processor 506 a can cause media processor506 a to emit two beeps. On the other hand, an audio command issued tomedia processor 506 b can cause the media processor 506 b to a chimingsound. Once the media processor emits the sound, the mobile device 502can be configured to detect the emitted audio signal at step 610. If themobile device 502 is unable to detect the audio signal, the mobiledevice 502 can repeat step 604 and request the server 510 to issue anaudio command to the media processor so that the media processor canemit the audio signal again. Instead of repeating step 604, the mobiledevice 502 can also request the media processor to repeat the audiosignal.

If the mobile device 502 detects the audio signal, the mobile device candetermine the identity of the media processor by associating the audiosignal with the media processor at step 612. Using the above example,the media processor 506 a can be identified by the two beeps and themedia processor 506 b can be identified by the chiming sound. At step614, the mobile device 502 can be configured to store the identity ofthe media processor in the mobile device 502's memory so that it canremember the identity of the media processor in the future for currentor future use. Of course, the mobile device 502 can be configured tostore the identities of multiple media processors. In an embodiment, theidentity of the media processor can be transmitted by the server 510 tothe mobile device 502.

Once the mobile device 502 ascertains the identity of the mediaprocessor, the mobile device 502 can begin issuing commands to the mediaprocessor at step 616. The commands can include a command to change achannel, a command to receive information for a media program, a commandto change the volume, and/or any other command to control the mediaprocessor. For example, the mobile device 502 can issue a command tomedia processor 506 a to receive information about a currently playingprogram. Such information can include a summary of the plot of a movie,the cast in the movie, the running time of the movie, and/or any otherrelevant information. In another example, the mobile device 502 caninclude a software program which features a media program/interactive TVguide. An illustration of this would be an interactive applicationinstalled on an iPhone™. When using the application, a user of themobile device 502 can select a channel in the guide, which can cause themedia processor to change it's current channel to the selected channelor perform a variety of other actions.

Referring now also to FIG. 7, a scenario where a user is utilizing amobile device to detect a media processor is illustratively shown.Notably, the user can be utilizing AT&T's U-verse™ in conjunction with amobile device capable of interacting with the U-verse™, such as aniPhone™. Referring now also to FIG. 8, a scenario is shown which depictsa user home featuring multiple televisions/media processors, such asmedia processors 802-808, in the user's home. Since users often havemultiple televisions in their home, the mobile device 502 canautomatically detect which television a user is watching or listening towithout requiring input from the user. The mobile device 502 can utilizea built-in microphone to listen for audio signals from thetelevisions/media processors being watched. As the user walks with hismobile device 502 from one room to the other, the mobile device 502 canbe configured to request audio commands from the server 510 and/or issuecommands to the appropriate media processor. By knowing the identitiesof the media processors, the mobile device can prevent the user fromissuing commands to the wrong television, such as by requesting thewrong television to change channels.

Referring now also to FIG. 9, a flow diagram for detecting media devicesby detecting audio emitted from the media devices is illustrativelyshown. The flow diagram illustrates the basic steps according to amethod of the invention. Notably, a software application on the mobiledevice 502 can detect a wireless network 504 and can then request anaudio command from the server 510 on a communications network. Theserver 510 can transmit an audio command to each media processor tocause the media processor to emit a unique sound. The softwareapplication can then “listen” to the audible unique sound and store theassociation of the sound with the media processor. The server 510 canalso transmit a mapping of the media processor with the sound to theapplication. The mapping can be used to identify the media processor.Once the mobile device 502 determines or receives the identity of themedia processor, the mobile device 502 can store the identity. Themobile device 502 can repeat the process periodically for additionalmedia processor or for each time the user's network is detected.Notably, the user does not have to select which media processor theywould like to issue commands to, but rather, the mobile device 502 canautomatically detect which media processor the user wants to issuecommands to based on factors such as the proximity of the television tothe mobile device 502 and/or the volume of the programming outputted bythe media processor.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope andspirit of the claims described below. For example, another method caninclude detecting/identifying media processors by detecting audio comingfrom media programming emitted by the media processors. Referring nowalso to FIG. 10, a flow diagram illustrating thedetection/identification of media processors is shown. In thisembodiment, an application on the mobile device 502 can be configured todetect a wireless network or other similar network. Once detected, themobile device 502 can detect and record and audio sample being emittedfrom a nearby media processor. After the mobile device 510 has recordedthe audio sample, the mobile device 510 can transmit the sample to theserver 510.

The server 510 can then determine which channels and media programmingare being transmitted to the media processor. Additionally, the server510 can analyze the audio sample and analyze the prior 60 seconds of theaudio of those channels to find a match for the audio sample sent fromthe application. Of course, the server 510 can analyze any previousamount of audio and the invention is not intended to be limited to theprior 60 seconds of audio to determine the match. When the server 510determines the match, the server 510 can transmit the identity of themedia processor being watched to the mobile device 502. The applicationcan store the identity of the media processor so that it may issuecommands to the media processor. The application can also receiveinformation about the media program from the server 510 based on theanalysis of the audio sample. Additionally, the application can receiveinformation from the media processor directly. The process can berepeated periodically, such as in the case when the user changes mediaprocessors by walking to another room.

In an embodiment, the mobile device 502 can be configured totag/bookmark a media program or other content that is being outputted bythe media processor. By bookmarking the program, the user can follow upwith the program at a later time. Since the mobile device 502 is awareof the media processor, the time of day, the bookmark, what programs areshown during the day, this information can be correlated by the mobiledevice 502 to determine what the user was watching or listening to atthe instant they bookmarked the program. Notably, the bookmarks can bestored on the mobile device 502, sent to server 510 or to another serverassociated with communications network 512, and/or emailed to the user.

Additionally, the bookmarks can be configured to include meta-data aboutthe media program/content that was bookmarked, hyperlinks to access moreinformation about the program, a link to replay all or part of thebookmarked media program, and other similar features. As an example, ifa product commercial was bookmarked, the bookmark can containinformation about the product/service provided, contact and salesinformation, and other such information related to the commercial. In anembodiment, an event can be bookmarked and a calendar invitation can besent.

In another embodiment, content relating to content different fromcurrently playing content can be bookmarked. For example, using thecommercial example above, a user can bookmark a commercial for adifferent program while watching a current program. The bookmark caninclude a link to record the different program. In an embodiment, if aparticular media program is bookmarked, information about the actors,clothing, locations, products, and other such information for aparticular scene or scenes can be included in the bookmark. In anotherembodiment, a screenshot of a scene can be included in the bookmark.

In yet another embodiment, the mobile device 502 can be configured totrack what media programs/content the user watches or listens to. Bytracking the media programs the user watches or listens to, the mobiledevice 502 can store a history of the content, provide recommendationsfor other content that the user would like to experience, and/or allowthe user to know the next time the media program will be playing. In oneembodiment, the audio signals emitted from the media processors can beinaudible to human or animal ears. In another embodiment, the mobiledevice 502 and server 510 can be configured to detect and identify mediaprocessors by capturing a video sample or other media content sample.

Other suitable modifications can be applied to the present disclosurewithout departing from the scope of the claims below. Accordingly, thereader is directed to the claims section for a fuller understanding ofthe breadth and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 1100 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed above. In some embodiments, the machine operatesas a standalone device. In some embodiments, the machine may beconnected (e.g., using a network) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient user machine in server-client user network environment, or as apeer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge, or anymachine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a device of the present disclosure includes broadly anyelectronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The computer system 1100 may include a processor 1102 (e.g., a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a mainmemory 1104 and a static memory 1106, which communicate with each othervia a bus 1108. The computer system 1100 may further include a videodisplay unit 1110 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, asolid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system1100 may include an input device 1112 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursorcontrol device 1114 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 1116, a signalgeneration device 1118 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a networkinterface device 1120.

The disk drive unit 1116 may include a machine-readable medium 1122 onwhich is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 1124)embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions 1124may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the mainmemory 1104, the static memory 1106, and/or within the processor 1102during execution thereof by the computer system 1100. The main memory1104 and the processor 1102 also may constitute machine-readable media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatusand systems of various embodiments broadly include a variety ofelectronic and computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions intwo or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices withrelated control and data signals communicated between and through themodules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit.Thus, the example system is applicable to software, firmware, andhardware implementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein are intended for operation as software programsrunning on a computer processor. Furthermore, software implementationscan include, but not limited to, distributed processing orcomponent/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtualmachine processing can also be constructed to implement the methodsdescribed herein.

The present disclosure contemplates a machine readable medium containinginstructions 1124, or that which receives and executes instructions 1124from a propagated signal so that a device connected to a networkenvironment 1126 can send or receive voice, video or data, and tocommunicate over the network 1126 using the instructions 1124. Theinstructions 1124 may further be transmitted or received over a network1126 via the network interface device 1120.

While the machine-readable medium 1122 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present disclosure.

The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken toinclude, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such as a memorycard or other package that houses one or more read-only (non-volatile)memories, random access memories, or other re-writable (volatile)memories; magneto-optical or optical medium such as a disk or tape;and/or a digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives is considered a distributionmedium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of amachine-readable medium or a distribution medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are periodicallysuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards and protocolshaving the same functions are considered equivalents.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Otherembodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structuraland logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing fromthe scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representationaland may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may beexaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative ratherthan a restrictive sense.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred toherein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merelyfor convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope ofthis application to any single invention or inventive concept if morethan one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separately claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile device, comprising: a memory storingcomputer instructions; and a controller coupled to the memory, whereinthe controller, responsive to executing the computer instructions,performs operations comprising: detecting a location of a user bydetecting at least one of a network associated with the user and alocation of the mobile device, wherein the location of the user includesa media processor; transmitting a request for an audio command intendedfor the media processor to a server on a communications network afterdetecting the location of the user, wherein the audio command istransmitted by the server to the media processor; detecting an audiosignal emitted from the media processor, wherein the audio signal iscaused by the audio command; and determining an identity of the mediaprocessor by associating the detected audio signal with the mediaprocessor, wherein the audio signal is specific to the media processor,the audio command and the audio signal are separate from media contentdelivered by the media processor, and the media processor for which therequest is intended is selected in accordance with proximity of themedia processor to the mobile device.
 2. The mobile device of claim 1,wherein the controller, responsive to executing the computerinstructions, performs operations comprising: detecting the networkbased on a service set identifier (SSID), a media access control (MAC)address, or a basic service set identifier (BSSID) associated with thenetwork; and detecting the location of the mobile device by utilizing aglobal positioning system (GPS) and triangulation.
 3. The mobile deviceof claim 1, wherein the media processor, the mobile device, or theserver operate in an interactive television (iTV) network, and whereinthe iTV network comprises internet protocol television (IPTV),interactive cable television, or interactive satellite television. 4.The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the controller, responsive toexecuting the computer instructions, performs operations comprisingstoring the identity of the media processor.
 5. The mobile device ofclaim 1, wherein the controller, responsive to executing the computerinstructions, performs operations comprising transmitting additionalrequests for additional audio commands for each media processor of aplurality of other media processors at the location of the server, andwherein the server transmits each audio command to each media processorof the plurality of other media processors.
 6. The mobile device ofclaim 5, wherein each audio command causes a different audio signal tobe emitted from each media processor of the plurality of other mediaprocessors.
 7. The mobile device of claim 6, wherein the controller,responsive to executing the computer instructions, performs operationscomprising detecting the different audio signal from each mediaprocessor and determine an identity of each media processor based byassociating each media processor with the different audio signal emittedfrom each media processor.
 8. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein thecontroller, responsive to executing the computer instructions, performsoperations comprising issuing a command to the media processor afterdetermining the identity of the media processor.
 9. The mobile device ofclaim 8, wherein the command comprises a command to change a channel, acommand to receive information for a media program, or a command tocontrol the media processor.
 10. A method, comprising: receiving at amedia processor an audio command from a server on a communicationsnetwork, wherein the audio command is requested by a mobile devicecommunicatively linked to the server and wherein the audio command isrequested after the mobile device determines that a user of the mobiledevice is located in a vicinity of the media processor, by detecting alocation of the user by detecting at least one of a network associatedwith the user and a location of the mobile device; and emitting an audiosignal after receiving the audio command, wherein the audio signal isdetected by the mobile device, and wherein an identity of the mediaprocessor is determined by the mobile device based on an association ofthe audio signal with the media processor, wherein the audio signal isspecific to the media processor, the audio command and audio signal areseparate from media content delivered by the media processor, and themedia processor for which the request is intended is selected inaccordance with proximity of the media processor to the mobile device.11. The method of claim 10, wherein the audio command is requested bythe mobile device after a network associated with a user has beendetected by the mobile device.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein themedia processor, the mobile device, or the server operate in aninteractive television (iTV) network, and wherein the iTV networkcomprises internet protocol television (IPTV), interactive cabletelevision, or interactive satellite television.
 13. The method of claim10, comprising receiving at the media processor a command from themobile device after the identity of the media device is determined. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein the command comprises a command tochange a channel, a command to receive information for a media program,or a command to control the media processor.
 15. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium, comprising computer instructionswhich, responsive to being executed by a processor, cause the processorto perform operations comprising: detecting at a mobile device alocation of a user by detecting a network associated with the user and alocation of the mobile device, wherein the location of the user includesa media processor; transmitting from the mobile device a request for anaudio command intended for the media processor to a server on acommunications network after detecting the location of the user, whereinthe audio command is transmitted by the server to the media processor;detecting at the mobile device an audio signal emitted from the mediaprocessor, wherein the audio signal is caused by the audio command; anddetermining at the mobile device an identity of the media processor byassociating the detected audio signal with the media processor, whereinthe audio signal is specific to the media processor, the audio commandand the audio signal are separate from media content delivered by themedia processor, and the media processor for which the request isintended is selected in accordance with proximity of the media processorto the mobile device.
 16. non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 15, comprising computer instructions which when executedby the processor cause the processor to perform operations comprising:detecting at the mobile device the network based on a service setidentifier (SSID), a media access control (MAC) address, or a basicservice set identifier (BSSID) associated with the network; anddetecting at the mobile device the location of the mobile device byutilizing a global positioning system (GPS) and triangulation.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein themedia processor, the mobile device, or the server operate in aninteractive television (iTV) network, and wherein the iTV networkcomprises internet protocol television (IPTV), interactive cabletelevision, or interactive satellite television.
 18. The non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium of claim 15, comprising computerinstructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor toperform operations comprising storing at the mobile device the identityof the media processor.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 15, comprising computer instructions which when executedby the processor cause the processor to perform operations comprisingtransmitting from the mobile device additional requests for additionalaudio commands for each media processor of a plurality of other mediaprocessors at the location of the server, and wherein the servertransmits each audio command to each media processor of the plurality ofother media processors.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium of claim 19, wherein each audio command causes a different audiosignal to be emitted from each media processor of the plurality of othermedia processors.